Many people were shocked by the Spanish election on July 23, 2023. In the Congress of Deputies, the conservative Popular Party (PP) gained 137 seats, the highest seats of any party since 2011. With 120 seats, the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), led by Pedro Sánchez, finished second, marking its lowest performance since 2004.
Numerous reasons contributed to the PP's triumph. Compared to the PSOE, which has been in power for five years, the party was viewed as being more established and knowledgeable. Sánchez's unpopularity, which has been attributed to how he has handled the economy, the COVID-19 epidemic, and the conflict in Ukraine, was also advantageous to the PP.
A significant setback for Sánchez is the win of the PP. He had intended to get a second term in office and utilise it to further his level of dominance. Nevertheless, as a result of the PP's triumph, Sánchez will now need to figure out how to establish a government without a majority in the Congress of Deputies.
Sánchez might take office in a number of different ways. He could try to bring together other left-leaning parties like Podemos and the United Left. Due to their dissatisfaction with Sánchez's leadership, these parties are not likely to agree to form a coalition with him.
A minority administration would be another option for Sánchez. As a result, he can occasionally require the assistance of other parties. It is unlikely that Sánchez would be able to hold onto this position for very long since it would be a challenging and unstable manner to rule.
Sánchez will most likely need to schedule a fresh election as a result. This would be a hazardous course of action since it may result in the PSOE losing even more support. However, that could be Sánchez's last remaining option.
Whatever the result, Sánchez's path to victory will be challenging. In order to fulfil the promises he made to the Spanish people, he will need to figure out how to create a stable administration.
The Implications of the PP's Victory
- The victory of the PP has several ramifications for Spain. First of all, it demonstrates the right wing's rising support in Spain. Since the PP has not had office since 2018, their success signals a shift back to the right in Spanish politics.
- Second, the comeback of the PP may trigger a period of political unrest in Spain. It is highly unlikely that the party will be able to establish a government on its own; instead, it will require the backing of other parties, notably Vox. The Spanish government can become unstable if this results in a period of political scheming and horsetrading.
- Third, the outcome of the election might affect Spain's relationship with the EU. The PP may try to renegotiate some of Spain's EU obligations since it has a more pessimistic view of the EU than the PSOE. This may cause friction between Spain and the EU, and Spain might even leave the EU as a result.
The Future of Spanish Politics
After the PP's victory, the course of Spanish politics is unknown. The PP may be able to establish a strong government and rule for a lot of years. But it's also possible that the victory of the PP would usher in a time of political unrest, which may ultimately result in a change of administration.
What the future of Spanish politics holds can only be determined with time. One thing is certain, though: the PP's triumph marks a huge turning point in Spanish politics and will have a big influence on the future of the nation.
Source:
- https://www.politico.eu/article/pedro-sanchez-spanish-election-path-to-victory-alberto-nunez-feijoo/
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/23/spain-elections-vox-europe/